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Gems to dye for

Jewellers can now let customers try on expensive gemstones while they are
making jewellery for them, without risking robbery during the demonstration.
Fitness Innovations and Technology of New Jersey have produced a kit with a
selection of clear crystal stones, cut in the shape of precious gems (EP 888
730). The kit also contains a range of surface dyes for colouring the stones.
Green mimics an emerald, red a ruby and blue a sapphire. The dyes are
semipermanent, so they won’t stain customer’s fingers, but the colour can be
removed by dipping stones in isopropyl alcohol.